Ex-wife, former partner on police force testify for Cutts

Kelly Schaub was his partner in marriage. Lamar Sharpe was one of his partners in blue. Bobby L. Cutts Jr. could count on both -- again -- when he needed them.

Benjamin Duer

Kelly Schaub was his partner in marriage. Lamar Sharpe was one of his partners in blue.

Bobby L. Cutts Jr. could count on both -- again -- when he needed them.

Cutts, a former Canton police officer, faces a possible death penalty after a jury convicted him of aggravated murder, murder and other charges tied to the deaths of Jessie M. Davis and her unborn daughter, Chloe.

The same jury is deciding his punishment.

Cutts was back in court Monday as his family and friends asked jurors to spare his life.

Schaub and Sharpe were among those testifying. At times, it was an emotional day.

Cutts’ ex-wife, Schaub, said despite their martial problems, her former husband was wonderful to his children, including their daughter.

He also had another daughter with another woman, Nikki Giavasis. His son, Blake, was Davis’.

Schaub said Cutts took on multiple side jobs, outside the police force, in pursuit of a better life for his family.

“I would say, ‘Just be happy with what we have,’” she told the courtroom.

Cutts fought back tears, clenching his lips, and rubbed his eyes when the talk turned to his children.

Schaub said she could not believe Cutts abandoned his son, Blake, for 26 hours.

“I would never imagine Bobby leaving any child alone, let alone his own,” she said.

Sharpe described his former partner as “a very silly guy” who kept the midnight shift light-hearted.

Sharpe took the police exam with Cutts. The two friends played semi-professional football together.

Sharpe said Cutts earned a police commendation for saving a man trying to kill himself. Cutts also stopped a suspect with a knife in 2005.

Sharpe also told jurors that Cutts once saved his life on the job. He said they heard gunshots. Sharpe said the suspect got into a car and tried to back into him. Cutts shot and injured the suspect.